Shubashini Michelle Solomon, an event manager from Cheras, has ventured into baking, driven by her passion and natural talent. As the only child in her family, she has always been encouraged to pursue her interests, and baking has become a creative outlet for her amidst her busy professional life.
In speaking about her career, Michelle shared that her role as an event manager has not only given her the chance to organize exciting projects but has also allowed her to travel to various destinations. Despite her hectic schedule, she makes it a point to explore the rich cultures of the countries she visits, appreciating the diversity in traditions, food, and local practices.
“The opportunity to travel is one of the highlights of my work,” she says. “With each trip, I carve out time to immerse myself in the culture, no matter how packed my schedule may be. It’s a perfect blend of work, travel, and leisure that keeps me energized.”
Her enthusiasm for juggling multiple responsibilities, including her new venture into baking, stems from her love of staying active and productive.
Baking cookies has always held a special place in Michelle’s heart, particularly during the festive Christmas season when she enjoys spreading joy through her culinary creations. In December 2023, driven by a desire to try something new, she ventured out of her comfort zone and experimented with a fresh recipe—chocolate chip macadamia cookies.
The result exceeded her expectations. When her family and friends had their first bite, they were astonished by the flavor and texture, convinced that the cookies were professionally made. Their praise was filled with delight, as they couldn’t stop raving about how perfectly balanced the rich chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts were. This experience not only boosted Michelle’s confidence in her baking skills but also marked the beginning of her passion for exploring new and creative recipes.
“Their enthusiasm sparked an idea: why not turn this into a business? By January 2024, I conducted thorough research, calculated the costs, and officially launched my cookie venture. What started with a simple batch of holiday cookies has now blossomed into a pursuit that I am truly passionate about!”
Michelle offers her chocolate chip macadamia cookies at RM 25 for a bottle containing 30 pieces. Once she launched her venture, word quickly spread among her circle of family and friends, and soon, orders began to pour in through word of mouth.
To elevate her cookie business, Michelle decided to reach out to influencers who could help spread the word. She created an Instagram page to showcase her delicious creations and ran targeted ads to boost sales. But she didn’t stop there; she also placed ads in a prominent office building to catch the attention of busy professionals. To further expand her reach, she designed promotional digital leaflets and shared them with friends and family, encouraging them to distribute them within their circles.
“Each step was a new adventure, allowing me to connect my cookies with more people and build excitement around my brand!”
As a result, Michelle has successfully sold 280 bottles of her cookies over the past six months. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive ninety-nine percent of customers praising her creations! Many have described her cookies as crunchy, addictive, and wonderfully creamy, highlighting their delightful texture and rich flavor.
Michelle has also received some feedback—about two percent—from customers who aren’t particularly fond of sweet treats. However, she views this as valuable input that helps her understand different taste preferences and encourages her to continuously refine her recipes. Overall, the enthusiastic response has not only validated her passion for baking but also motivated her to explore new flavors and expand her cookie offerings.
Michelle’s cookie venture began at a fortuitous time, coinciding with her parents’ retirement in March, just two months after she launched her business. As the only child, she felt a strong sense of responsibility to support her family during this transition. Her growing income from the cookie sales has provided valuable assistance, helping to ease any financial burdens and allowing her to contribute positively to her family’s well-being. This sense of purpose not only fuels her passion for baking but also strengthens her commitment to building a successful business that benefits those she loves.
Michelle’s journey from an event manager to a passionate baker is a testament to her determination, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her ability to seamlessly blend her professional commitments with her newfound love for baking has not only enriched her life but also provided her family with essential support during a significant transition. The positive reception of her chocolate chip macadamia cookies reflects her dedication to quality and her desire to share joy through her culinary creations.
For anyone interested in indulging in her delicious cookies, Michelle invites you to connect with her on Instagram, where you can place your orders and experience the delightful taste that has captured the hearts of many.
All the information and images are provided by Michelle.
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